Telephone and Utilities

Some landlords include the cost of utilities in the rent payment, or they may collect the cost of utilities from the tenants and pay the utility company. Others require that the tenants deal directly with the utility company, setting up the service, and paying the bill themselves; consult the public service portion of the phone book for information on the particular service you need. Utility service companies vary from city to city. Questar Gas manages the natural gas service for all communities. Utah Power and Light Company provides electric service for most communities outside Provo. In Provo, contact Provo City Utilities for electric, water, sewer, and garbage service. In other cities, contact the local city service for water, sewer, and garbage.

Sharing a utility service and long distance telephone service with roommates is risky if you are the one who pays the bill. Collecting the utility bill or long distance telephone charges from some roommates can be very difficult or impossible. For long distance telephone calls, you should get a personal calling card or account – one that others cannot access. Contact a long distance telephone company for details. With utility bills such as gas and electricity, if the landlord does not pay or collect money to pay the bill; all tenants are jointly responsible for the bill.  It is recommended that a contract be made among the roommates. The BYU Off-Campus Housing Office can provide you with a contract form. Please contact us for more details.